Who could Resist such an Invitation?
A special Monte Carlo SS model arrived at midyear in very limited numbers. Called Aerocoupe, it featured a sloped rear window that made the body more aerodynamic for use in NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) competition. Those 200 have since become coveted collectors’ items. In order to make any such modification legal for track use, NASCAR rules stated that the manufacturer had to build 200 copies for sale to the general public — and that’s just what Chevrolet did.
Horsepower ranged from 110 to 155. But added for 1980 was a turbocharged version of Buick’s 231-cubic-inch V-6 rated at 170 horsepower. Turbocharged engines typically don’t make much power at low speeds, so the automatic transmission coupled with a tall 2.29:1 rear axle ratio meant that off-the-line punch wasn’t a Turbo Monte’s strong suit. Indeed, its 13.0-second 0-60 time was little if any better than with the 5.0-liter V-8 — which cost $200 less. Unfortunately for performance buffs, the four-speed manual transmission offered (but rarely ordered) for 1979 was dropped, making a three-speed automatic the standard — and only — transmission. Like any good personal-luxury coupe, the Monte Carlo offered a host of “personalizing” options: Custom Cloth or Vinyl upholstery, a bevy of sound systems (some with built-in CB radios), power windows/locks/seats, power trunk opener, power sunroof, and “Removable Glass Roof Panels,” more commonly known as T-tops.
Along with most other Chevys, Monte Carlo prices were up sharply. Classic Cars: Learn about more than 400 of the world’s finest classic and collectible automobiles. Muscle Cars: Look back at tire-smoking Chevys and scores of other machines from the golden age of American high performance. At $250 more than a base Monte, the Landau didn’t sell as well. A Landau edition was also offered, which added a vinyl top, pin striping, deluxe wheel covers, and visor vanity mirrors. In 1979, a base V-6 coupe retailed for $5,333; for 1980, it was up to $6,524. But then Monte Carlos as a whole didn’t sell very well.
As the sales brochure noted, “only termites will know the difference.” Essentially, though, gauges were Chevelle-based. Chevrolet insisted that a Monte was “still the only car of its kind made in the U.S.A.,” promising solid value, luxury, style, dependability, resale value — and craftsmanship. Base Monte Carlo engine was the 245-horsepower 350, with a 270-horsepower version and a 300-horse “396” (actually 402-cubic-inch) also available. Like other GM models, Monte Carlo suffered in production as a result of a lengthy strike early in the model year. In addition to luxury goodies, the options list contained several performance items. Only 1919 customers elected the SS 454 option, with a 365- or 425-horsepower 454-cubic-inch V-8 engine, heavy-duty springs, automatic level control, G70x15 tires on rally wheels, and black rear trim panel.
